Winter Weather Halts School Transportation
School buses across multiple regions in Wellington and Dufferin counties have been cancelled for Monday, January 19, 2026, due to hazardous driving conditions. The decision comes as blowing snow and a series of collisions have forced police to close numerous roads throughout central Ontario, creating significant travel disruptions at the start of the work week.
Road Conditions Deteriorate Rapidly
The situation escalated quickly as visibility dropped and roads became treacherous. Police were compelled to shut down several key routes after responding to multiple weather-related incidents. The combination of high winds and ongoing snowfall has made travel extremely dangerous, prompting officials to err on the side of caution for student safety.
While the original news alert did not list every specific school board or municipality affected, the cancellations are widespread across parts of the two counties. Parents and guardians are advised to check with their local school transportation authorities for the most precise and up-to-date information regarding their routes.
A Broader Pattern of Winter Disruption
This event is part of a larger pattern of severe winter weather impacting communities across Canada. The news brief also highlighted a snowy start in Ottawa, a snow squall watch for Greater Montreal, and the wrap-up of Edmonton's Deep Freeze festival, which saw record-breaking crowds. These conditions serve as a stark reminder of the travel challenges posed by Canadian winters.
Authorities are urging residents in Wellington, Dufferin, and surrounding areas to avoid non-essential travel. If travel is necessary, drivers are reminded to reduce speed, increase following distance, and ensure their vehicles are properly equipped for winter driving. The priority remains public safety as crews work to clear roads and manage the ongoing weather event.